A groundbreaking ceremony has officially kicked off the highly anticipated expansion of Malcolm X College's West Side campus at 4624 W Madison Street in Chicago's Austin neighborhood. Positioned near the intersection with N Kenton Avenue, this new development is the latest milestone for the community-centric campus. Originally unveiled last year, these expansion plans are part of a broader mission to grow City Colleges' presence, which is seeing increasing demand. Malcolm X College, for example, experienced a 17% increase in enrollment this year, prompting the need for additional learning spaces.
Expansion Details: New Spaces for a Growing Campus
This project focuses on a one-story addition that will bring 3,000 square feet of space to the front lawn of the existing West Side Learning Center, a small outpost that was once a Jewel Osco. The upcoming structure, called the Community Center for Teaching and Learning, will include student and common spaces, along with a large multi-use community area available for rental by local organizations, businesses, and residents. The new facilities will result in a 50% increase in student capacity, increasing the campus’ capacity to 2,000 students.
Key features of the new center include:
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Recreational and Meeting Spaces: Designed for both student use and community events.
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3,000 Square Feet of Dividable Multi-Purpose Space: This area can be used for instructional purposes or community events, providing a flexible, rentable space to serve diverse needs.
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State-of-the-Art Design: The building will be clad in metal panels, stone, and glass windows, creating a modern aesthetic while maximizing natural light for occupants.
Budget and Construction Timeline
Chicago Yimby reports that the expansion project originally had an estimated budget of $9.5 million, but the cost has since grown to $17.5 million. This increase is attributed to various design improvements and increased construction expenses. Approximately $9 million of this budget will come from state funding. The project is expected to be completed in 18 months, with plans for an additional large laboratory building already being considered for future phases.
“As a resident of Austin, I know our community is rich in history and culture. The strong spirit of pride here permeates our community, and the new $17 million Community Center for Teaching and Learning will provide an incredible opportunity for that spirit to flourish. This expansion offers new spaces for community members from the West Side to connect, create, and thrive, and I look forward to seeing the incredible impact this new center will have on our residents for years to come.”
Mayor of Chicago | Brandon Johnson
Community Impact: Focus on Inclusivity and Opportunity
With an emphasis on equity-focused development, the Chicago Public Building Commission (PBC) is overseeing the project, placing special emphasis on hiring women and people of color for construction roles. Overall, the expansion will create 40 full-time equivalent construction jobs and 10 non-construction jobs.
Expansion Phases: From Labs to Community Space
This current expansion represents the second phase of City Colleges' continued investment in the Malcolm X College West Campus. The first phase focused on renovating the campus to create new biology laboratories, laying the groundwork for more advanced health science and nursing programs. Together, the renovations will provide an additional 7,000 square feet of usable space dedicated to credit courses and career certificate programs.
These programs will include:
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Basic Nursing Assistant (BNA)
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Patient Care Technician
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Community Health Worker
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Medical Assisting
This educational expansion aims to provide students with opportunities to enter and excel in healthcare-related careers, responding to the increased demand for skilled healthcare workers in Chicago and beyond.
Future Outlook: What Lies Ahead
The expansion at 4264 W. Madison St. marks a significant step towards achieving the long-term goals of City Colleges of Chicago: expanding access, enhancing facilities, and increasing student capacity. This project also highlights the positive role that public funding and community-oriented development can play in revitalizing urban neighborhoods.
The expansion of Malcolm X College West Campus is not just a new building project—it's an investment in the future of Chicago's West Side. By creating more space for students and providing the community with accessible event and meeting spaces, this development aims to uplift the entire area. With its focus on healthcare education, recreational facilities, and community well-being, the project embodies the spirit of progress and growth that is vital for Chicago's neighborhoods.
